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Antonio Elected as Minority Leader for Next General Assembly

November 16, 2022
Nickie J. Antonio News
 
Today, the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus voted on and announced caucus leadership for the 135th General Assembly, beginning in January 2023. The Caucus voted to elect state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) as Minority Leader.

“I am honored by my colleague’s faith in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Senate Minority Leader. I would also like to thank Leader Kenny Yuko for his five years of dedicated service to our caucus,” said Senator Antonio. “As we move into a new General Assembly, the Senate Democrats will continue to fight for good-paying jobs, healthy families, excellent schools and equality for every Ohioan. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues across the aisle to make our state a place where all can live, work and thrive.”

State Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus), who currently serves as Assistant Minority Whip, was elected Assistant Minority Leader.

“It is an honor and privilege that my colleagues have elected me to serve as the Assistant Minority Leader. I am humbled by this extraordinary opportunity to serve the residents of my district and the state of Ohio,” said Senator Craig. “It has been an honor to work with Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, who served with great integrity and character representing our caucus and I am excited to work alongside my esteemed colleague, Leader-Elect Nickie J. Antonio. While it is clear we have great challenges before us, I believe that we have great opportunities to move our state forward and improve the lives of families and children in our state. We must continue to be laser-focused on providing access to quality and affordable education, housing and health care, supporting our workforce, and building ladders of opportunity for Ohioans.”

State Senator-Elect Kent Smith (D-Euclid) was selected to serve as Minority Whip.

“I am honored to be chosen by my Democratic colleagues to serve Ohioans as a member of the Ohio Senate Democratic leadership team,” said Senator-Elect Smith. “Personally, I have served with the other three leadership members and hold them all in high regard. I look forward to raising our voices to advance our new energy economy, grow an economy of opportunity for everyone in our state and advocate for an education system that will help our kids achieve their maximum potential. I am going to show up, do the work and fight for those who sent me to Columbus.”

Completing the 135th General Assembly minority leadership team is state Senator-Elect Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo), who will serve as Assistant Minority Whip.

“Receiving the vote of my new colleagues for a leadership position is an honor and I look forward to the next General Assembly working for Ohioans,” said Senator-Elect Hicks-Hudson.